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Drug Development Solutions Materials Science Physical properties and solid form characterisation It is an essential requirement of the product development process in the pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare sectors to have a thorough understanding of the key physical and chemical characteristics of solid materials. A material’s physical properties and solid form will determine how it behaves in terms of, for example, its processability, flowability, compaction, strength, dissolution, compatibility and stability. We are highly experienced in the measurement of these properties on a wide range of materials including active ingredients, excipients and formulated products. Our expertise covers all stages of development, registration and manufacturing. Our key materials science services include: Physical Properties Testing • Particle Size Distribution • Particle Shape Analysis • Specific Surface Area • Scanning Electron Microscopy with elemental analysis using EDX • Inverse Gas Chromatography – Surface Energy Analysis • Dynamic Vapour Sorption (DVS) • Density • Porosity • Optical microscopy • Thermal microscopy Solid Form Characterisation • Powder X-ray diffraction • Thermal analysis (DSC and TGA) • FT-IR (spectroscopy and microscopy) • Assessment of amorphous / crystalline form • Determination of hydrates, solvates and co-crystals • Crystal structure solution and solid form risk assessment We have extensive experience working with a wide range of product formulation types including tablets, capsules, powders, ointments, creams, gels, coatings, adhesives, fibres and pastes. We support routine measurements, advanced characterisation and troubleshooting, bespoke method development and validation for all stages of the product development and manufacturing pipeline, from our GMP laboratories.
